It would be fair to say that club captain Martin Odegaard attracted plenty of criticism from Arsenal supporters last season.
It wasn't quite Granit Xhaka levels of abuse for a Gunners skipper but his fitness and indeed his performance levels were called into question. Is this really the midfielder Arsenal crave as they go about creating a title-winning dynasty at the Emirates?
Regardless of that, few can doubt he deserved to lift the trophy. Being the captain, he was the first to hold the Premier League title in the air. He will be the one at the front and centre of the photos that still get shared in several decades time.
Arsenal-Odegaard-Rice
So many captains have tried and failed to get their hands on that piece of silverware but Odegaard now stands ahead of players like Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, Laurent Koscielny, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. He has outstrippd the legacy of all five of those players. The Norwegian has achieved something none of them did in Arsenal colours.
Yet, despite all of that, it feels like the time is right to upgrade.
Arsenal lining up move for big-money Odegaard upgrade
This is set to be a big summer for the Gunners as they seek to improve a title-winning side. How do you do that? Well, there were holes in the team, notably in attack.
As a result, it won't come as much of a surprise to learn that Arsenal are looking at a whole host of forward players from the likes of Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi to PSG's Bradley Barcola.
Eli-Junior-Kroupi-Bournemouth
That said, they will cost an absolute fortune. The Cherries are in no mood to sell Kroupi and understandably so. He became the first teenager to ever score 13 goals in their debut Premier League campaign.
On the flip side, Barcola may be easier to obtain, particularly if the Champions League winners secure a deal for RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande as is rumoured.
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However, the number one target right now would appear to be Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers. Reports have already suggested that Arsenal have held initial talks with the player's camp but discussions with Unai Emery and Co are yet to get underway.
The Gunners will no doubt be boosted by Rogers' wishes. While he is not begging to leave, Chelsea insider Alex Goldberg has reported that amid interest from the Blues, the England international "wants" to move to the Emirates instead.
Morgan-Rogers-England
Goldberg reports that any talk of Rogers wanting Chelsea is 'nonsense' and that he would chose Arsenal if he does leave Villa Park behind.
This deal will not come cheap. Early indications are that Rogers may cost a reported £80m-£100m.
How Rogers compares to Martin Odegaard
Odegaard's form and availability has really deteriorated in recent years. Back in 2022/23, he was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
No player in his position in the whole division scored more than the Norwegian's 15 goals but that is about as good as it's got in that department since moving to Arsenal.
After that season, the captain has really struggled in front of goal. He did bag 11 in 2023/24 as well as assisting 11 but he only netted six in 2024/25 and just scored only once as his team won the league.
It's a remarkable regression really. While he is still incredibly creative, the lack of ability to carry the ball and drive forward with pace and aggression is what disappoints Arsenal supporters the most.
Lewis-Skelly-Odegaard-Arsenal
No can deny his creativity. With 2.63 key passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League throughout 2025/26, only three players were actually better in that metric; Bruno Fernandes, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku.
Rogers doesn't come close, having managed just 1.3 but in a host of other metrics, he wipes the floor with Odegaard.
Odegaard vs Rogers: 2025/26 Premier League
Stat (per 90 mins)
Non penalty goals
Shots
Open play expected assists
Successful dribbles
Progressive carries
Progressive passes
It's safe to say the Arsenal no.8 is a much better creator but when it comes to goalscoring and penetrating the final third through powerful carrying, the Villa talisman is just so much better.
In an ideal world, Mikel Arteta could find a home for both of them in his team. Rogers can also play on the left as well as central but his best position is just behind the striker.
Morgan-Rogers-Villa
In that position, he's incredibly incisive and can break a game open with a moment of pure magic. That's something Odegaard has been severely lacking since that wonderful season of 2022/23.
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A big-money midfielder could be on their way to Arsenal according to reports.